A microemulsion approach to obtain high-coercivity (850 mT) FePt nano-magnets capped with a nanoscopic silica shell is reported (see figure). versatile method allows the easy tuning of particle size and composition. The silica shell inhibits agglomeration and preserves the chemical stability of the particles up to 650 degrees C, and facilitates surface functionalization and particle assembly. These attributes are attractive for harnessing the nanomagnets for realizing novel devices and composites.